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Coverage

Indiana-Jefferson County-Indianapolis

Source

Madison-Jefferson County Public Library

Identifier

"MJCPLrail5007"

Notes

The Madison Courier on October 25, 1943, reported, "Frank B. Conner, 60, conductor, was killed instantly, and four railway cars were demolished at 1:00 o'clock this afternoon when a "runaway" railroad train raced down the "cuts" plowed up the tracks and turned over at the west end of First Street". At seven o'clock that night a second wreck occurred when a wrecking crew of 13 men started down the incline on a locomotive brought from Indianapolis to assist in clearing the tracks, causing the members of the crew to jump from the train to save their lives. The engineer stayed at his post, applying sand to the tracks and reversing the wheels trying to check the speed of the engine. Despite his efforts the engine rammed into the tank car at the foot of the hill. The crew was bruised and badly shaken but there was no loss of life in the second mishap. Loss of traction due to wet leaves on the track was blamed for both accidents. Sources: Madison Courier, October 25 and 26, 1943; Madison-Jefferson County Public Library